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Persuaded
What's worse than never getting over your first love?
How about watching him fall for someone else...
Hanna Elliot had worn the ring faithfully at first. Some part of her still clung to the hope that all was not lost. As the days turned into weeks, she finally took it off and set it atop her dresser. When weeks gave way to months, the ring finally went back into its box, where it gathered dust until it was moved to Hanna’s unmentionables drawer. For the first few years, she had taken it out on the anniversary of the day she’d received it, allowing herself to wallow in what might have been.
She had been all but stamped out of Derick Wentworth’s mind.
Sure, he thought about her occasionally, especially on cloudless nights when he lay on the bow of the Laconia looking up at the stars. But as time went on, Derick began to feel grateful that it hadn’t worked out, for one thing was certain: if he ever did settle down, it would be with someone who knew her own mind. Someone who went after the thing she wanted without hesitation. Someone who would never allow herself to be persuaded otherwise.
Persuaded, a modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion.
How about watching him fall for someone else...
Hanna Elliot had worn the ring faithfully at first. Some part of her still clung to the hope that all was not lost. As the days turned into weeks, she finally took it off and set it atop her dresser. When weeks gave way to months, the ring finally went back into its box, where it gathered dust until it was moved to Hanna’s unmentionables drawer. For the first few years, she had taken it out on the anniversary of the day she’d received it, allowing herself to wallow in what might have been.
She had been all but stamped out of Derick Wentworth’s mind.
Sure, he thought about her occasionally, especially on cloudless nights when he lay on the bow of the Laconia looking up at the stars. But as time went on, Derick began to feel grateful that it hadn’t worked out, for one thing was certain: if he ever did settle down, it would be with someone who knew her own mind. Someone who went after the thing she wanted without hesitation. Someone who would never allow herself to be persuaded otherwise.
Persuaded, a modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2014
44 people are currently reading
839 people want to read
About the author
Misty Dawn Pulsipher
5 books74 followersMisty has been ‘scribbling’ since she learned how, but it was during her angst-ridden college years that her love for writing began to flower. She spent countless hours revising poetry inspired by unrequited love, and has the binder to prove it.
Misty suffers from a particularly potent case of OCD (obsessive creativity disorder). When she’s not writing or procrastinating an edit, she’s sewing, cross-stitching, or baking. She also boasts several collections, including a deck of cards from everywhere she’s been, enough bovine décor to supply Chick-Fil-A for life, and seventeen versions of the board game Monopoly (at last count).
Though Misty currently resides in Maryland with her husband and three minions, she will always call Utah home—and insist that eastern “mountains” are actually hills. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Misty served a French-Speaking mission in Washington, D.C.
You can check out her blog, Facebook author page, or contact her via email. If she doesn’t respond, don’t take it personal . . . she’s probably writing her next book. Or, more likely, taking a nap.
http://mistydawnpulsipher.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/MistyDawnPul...
mistydawnpulsipher@gmail.com
Misty suffers from a particularly potent case of OCD (obsessive creativity disorder). When she’s not writing or procrastinating an edit, she’s sewing, cross-stitching, or baking. She also boasts several collections, including a deck of cards from everywhere she’s been, enough bovine décor to supply Chick-Fil-A for life, and seventeen versions of the board game Monopoly (at last count).
Though Misty currently resides in Maryland with her husband and three minions, she will always call Utah home—and insist that eastern “mountains” are actually hills. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Misty served a French-Speaking mission in Washington, D.C.
You can check out her blog, Facebook author page, or contact her via email. If she doesn’t respond, don’t take it personal . . . she’s probably writing her next book. Or, more likely, taking a nap.
http://mistydawnpulsipher.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/MistyDawnPul...
mistydawnpulsipher@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
February 6, 2017
Sand and Sailing
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Persuasion Modern-Day Retelling
SETTING: present-day summer in Old Lyme, Connecticut
MAIN CHARACTERS: Hanna (Anne), Derick (Wentworth), Ella Musgrove (Louisa), Eli Williams (William Elliot), Charles and Mary Musgrove, their two boys (CJ and Walter), Benny Croft (Benwick) and Adam and Sophie Croft.
SYNOPSIS:
Hanna is happy to spend her summer with her sister’s family while they vacation in Old Lyme, even if she does end up taking care of her nephews more than their mother does! She is happy until she runs into the man who broke her heart ten years ago, and discovers he is staying just a few houses away. The pain of their past relationship resurfaces with a vengeance as Derick treats Hanna with aloofness and begins a relationship with her brother-in-law’s sister…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Setting: One of my favorite parts of Jane Austen’s Persuasion is the visit to Lyme Regis. As someone who lives fifteen minutes from the ocean and is fortunate enough to visit it often, I know how soothing, refreshing, and inspiring being in such a place can be. I loved how this whole story took place by the sea, in a private community with charming shops and an old-town feel. No visits to Bath or other locales, just sand, lighthouses, and breakwaters!
- Clever Updates and Parallels: As always with modern-day retellings, it is so much fun to spot the parallels and nods to Jane Austen’s original novel. I thought it was very apropos that Derick was a famous athlete on a yacht racing team and that Hanna was a Kindergarten teacher. And without spoiling any of the surprises I thought the reason for the dissolution of Hanna’s and Derick’s romance was refreshing and unique. It’s isn’t so much about differences in class, families, and connections in this scenario…
- Not the Same Sequence of Events: While Misty Dawn Pulsipher adheres to the central conflict and themes of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, she adds a bit originality to her tale by not strictly following the requisite sequence of events. There were some unique twists and a bit of an altered timeline in this retelling. Hanna only has one sister and we really don’t seem much interaction with her father or god-mother. Eli is much more appealing than William Elliot and his interest in Hanna has nothing to do with being Hanna’s father’s heir. (SLIGHT SPOILER!) And the relationship between Hanna and Derick takes an interesting turn when they decide to start over as friends halfway through the book.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Ella: I may be in the minority saying this, but I typically tend to like Louisa Musgrove in Persuasion stories (even though she is Anne’s rival!) Unlike Caroline Bingley and Mary Crawford, she is a sincere person and I like her friendliness towards Anne. But in this story Ella wasn’t very likable; she was very self-absorbed and had a bit too much attitude. Also, while I appreciated the twist about what happens to her later in the story, it definitely dampened the happy ending and resolved a little unsatisfactory in my opinion.
- Not Fully In Love: I must admit that I wasn’t fully in love with either Hanna or Derick in this retelling. While I admired and liked both – and was glad that Hanna had a bit of a backbone and that Derick wasn’t completely a jerk – I didn’t feel as emotionally invested in them or their relationship. I think I wanted just a little more depth.
CONCLUSION:
Persuaded is a well-crafted and original modern-day adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion and a perfect choice for readers who enjoy sweet and beachy contemporary romances. I greatly enjoyed Ms. Pulsipher’s artful approach to Jane Austen’s characters and I am very eager to read her two other releases – Pride’s Prejudice and Mansfield.
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Persuasion Modern-Day Retelling
SETTING: present-day summer in Old Lyme, Connecticut
MAIN CHARACTERS: Hanna (Anne), Derick (Wentworth), Ella Musgrove (Louisa), Eli Williams (William Elliot), Charles and Mary Musgrove, their two boys (CJ and Walter), Benny Croft (Benwick) and Adam and Sophie Croft.
SYNOPSIS:
Hanna is happy to spend her summer with her sister’s family while they vacation in Old Lyme, even if she does end up taking care of her nephews more than their mother does! She is happy until she runs into the man who broke her heart ten years ago, and discovers he is staying just a few houses away. The pain of their past relationship resurfaces with a vengeance as Derick treats Hanna with aloofness and begins a relationship with her brother-in-law’s sister…
WHAT I LOVED:
- Setting: One of my favorite parts of Jane Austen’s Persuasion is the visit to Lyme Regis. As someone who lives fifteen minutes from the ocean and is fortunate enough to visit it often, I know how soothing, refreshing, and inspiring being in such a place can be. I loved how this whole story took place by the sea, in a private community with charming shops and an old-town feel. No visits to Bath or other locales, just sand, lighthouses, and breakwaters!
- Clever Updates and Parallels: As always with modern-day retellings, it is so much fun to spot the parallels and nods to Jane Austen’s original novel. I thought it was very apropos that Derick was a famous athlete on a yacht racing team and that Hanna was a Kindergarten teacher. And without spoiling any of the surprises I thought the reason for the dissolution of Hanna’s and Derick’s romance was refreshing and unique. It’s isn’t so much about differences in class, families, and connections in this scenario…
- Not the Same Sequence of Events: While Misty Dawn Pulsipher adheres to the central conflict and themes of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, she adds a bit originality to her tale by not strictly following the requisite sequence of events. There were some unique twists and a bit of an altered timeline in this retelling. Hanna only has one sister and we really don’t seem much interaction with her father or god-mother. Eli is much more appealing than William Elliot and his interest in Hanna has nothing to do with being Hanna’s father’s heir. (SLIGHT SPOILER!) And the relationship between Hanna and Derick takes an interesting turn when they decide to start over as friends halfway through the book.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Ella: I may be in the minority saying this, but I typically tend to like Louisa Musgrove in Persuasion stories (even though she is Anne’s rival!) Unlike Caroline Bingley and Mary Crawford, she is a sincere person and I like her friendliness towards Anne. But in this story Ella wasn’t very likable; she was very self-absorbed and had a bit too much attitude. Also, while I appreciated the twist about what happens to her later in the story, it definitely dampened the happy ending and resolved a little unsatisfactory in my opinion.
- Not Fully In Love: I must admit that I wasn’t fully in love with either Hanna or Derick in this retelling. While I admired and liked both – and was glad that Hanna had a bit of a backbone and that Derick wasn’t completely a jerk – I didn’t feel as emotionally invested in them or their relationship. I think I wanted just a little more depth.
CONCLUSION:
Persuaded is a well-crafted and original modern-day adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion and a perfect choice for readers who enjoy sweet and beachy contemporary romances. I greatly enjoyed Ms. Pulsipher’s artful approach to Jane Austen’s characters and I am very eager to read her two other releases – Pride’s Prejudice and Mansfield.
November 11, 2014
Persuasion is one of my very favorite stories and I enjoy these modern adaptations. I've been looking forward to reading this one for a long time now and was excited when I saw it was finally out. I thought Ms. Pulsipher did a good job of sticking to the original storyline, while making enough changes to make it her own and keep me on my toes.
Hanna is a likable character, I especially liked the moments when she would show a little backbone. She is a bit of a people-pleaser and lets herself get walked on a bit. She has a good heart though and is always kind to those around her, she sees the good in people. Which is always a great quality to have. I have mixed feelings about Derick, to be honest I'm not sure if he ever really swept me off my feet. I think I had a hard time forgiving him. Without overanalyzing things, I did enjoy their story quite a bit. Again, the story somewhat follows the original, but about halfway through or so it does its own thing, which I liked.
I thought the romance was sweet, I'm a sucker for these second-chance stories, especially the moment when they are reunited again for the first time. Hannah and Derick have good chemistry and it was fun to watch them figure things out.
Overall, I thought this was one of the better retellings of Persuasion and one I would recommend to any contemporary fan.
Content
Romance: Clean
Hanna is a likable character, I especially liked the moments when she would show a little backbone. She is a bit of a people-pleaser and lets herself get walked on a bit. She has a good heart though and is always kind to those around her, she sees the good in people. Which is always a great quality to have. I have mixed feelings about Derick, to be honest I'm not sure if he ever really swept me off my feet. I think I had a hard time forgiving him. Without overanalyzing things, I did enjoy their story quite a bit. Again, the story somewhat follows the original, but about halfway through or so it does its own thing, which I liked.
I thought the romance was sweet, I'm a sucker for these second-chance stories, especially the moment when they are reunited again for the first time. Hannah and Derick have good chemistry and it was fun to watch them figure things out.
Overall, I thought this was one of the better retellings of Persuasion and one I would recommend to any contemporary fan.
Content
Romance: Clean
November 9, 2017
“A man does not recover from such a devotion of the heart to such a woman. He ought not; he does not.” Jane Austen, Persuasion
This was a free offer through Amazon. Thanks Amazon!!
This modern take on Austen’s Persuasion was cute and a good clean read. There were steamy looks and embraces, but nothing beyond what kids would see at the local mall. Do kids even go to the mall these days? Being a modern variation or reimagining, the names have been changed along with the setting and circumstances of our characters. However, our author tried to remain consistent with Austen’s intent and in keeping the characters true to canon.
“If I was wrong in yielding to persuasion once, remember that it was to persuasion exerted on the side of safety, not of risk” Jane Austen, Persuasion
Hanna Elliot met and fell in love with Derick Wentworth eight years earlier. Something happened that separated them and she had not seen him since. Her mother’s friend, and her godmother, Maudelaine ‘Maude’ Russell, had a big influence in her life. Maude was British and had a very unusual way of talking. I assume our author needed to differentiate her style of speech so that we would know the difference. I would have to ask my friends across the pond if she was successful. It was always jarring to me when she had dialogue as it seemed a bit strained or forced… as though the author wanted us to remember she was British… each-and-every-time.
“You know that men can love forever. Please believe that my love could never end.” Jane Austen, Persuasion
There are characters missing, but it did not change the flow of the story. It was a good decision on the part of the author. Otherwise, we would have had a traffic jam with too many characters. The story would have bogged down with too many story-lines that would have taken away from Hanna’s and Derick’s story. As it was, when the story ended, there were a lot of threads left dangling. Even though we had a small epilogue or jump into the future, it did not answer questions about the other characters. Did Sophie and Adam take that next step? What about Ella’s health… and Benny? Did Charles and Mary continue in their new paradigm? Did the bastards Eli and Hoss receive any repercussions for their treachery? On and on… I have questions. [3.5-stars]
This was a free offer through Amazon. Thanks Amazon!!
This modern take on Austen’s Persuasion was cute and a good clean read. There were steamy looks and embraces, but nothing beyond what kids would see at the local mall. Do kids even go to the mall these days? Being a modern variation or reimagining, the names have been changed along with the setting and circumstances of our characters. However, our author tried to remain consistent with Austen’s intent and in keeping the characters true to canon.
“If I was wrong in yielding to persuasion once, remember that it was to persuasion exerted on the side of safety, not of risk” Jane Austen, Persuasion
Hanna Elliot met and fell in love with Derick Wentworth eight years earlier. Something happened that separated them and she had not seen him since. Her mother’s friend, and her godmother, Maudelaine ‘Maude’ Russell, had a big influence in her life. Maude was British and had a very unusual way of talking. I assume our author needed to differentiate her style of speech so that we would know the difference. I would have to ask my friends across the pond if she was successful. It was always jarring to me when she had dialogue as it seemed a bit strained or forced… as though the author wanted us to remember she was British… each-and-every-time.
“You know that men can love forever. Please believe that my love could never end.” Jane Austen, Persuasion
There are characters missing, but it did not change the flow of the story. It was a good decision on the part of the author. Otherwise, we would have had a traffic jam with too many characters. The story would have bogged down with too many story-lines that would have taken away from Hanna’s and Derick’s story. As it was, when the story ended, there were a lot of threads left dangling. Even though we had a small epilogue or jump into the future, it did not answer questions about the other characters. Did Sophie and Adam take that next step? What about Ella’s health… and Benny? Did Charles and Mary continue in their new paradigm? Did the bastards Eli and Hoss receive any repercussions for their treachery? On and on… I have questions. [3.5-stars]
January 19, 2018
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
I have loved all three of this author's books. The only thing missing in this one is a letter to match the one from canon. But the author did give it some effort.
While the beginning seems to be reflection of Jane Austen's canon the reader will find that the blame falls on someone other than Hanna. And it has been ten years since Derick Wentworth set sail without her.
This Derick is also into adventure on the high seas but it is in competitive sailing and winning the America's Cup...three times. When he takes time off to spend some vacation with his sister, Sophie and her husband, Adam, he has no expectation that he will find his ex nearby.
This Hanna is much like Anne Elliot in that she puts everyone's comfort before her own and in being invited to spend her summer off from Kindergarten teaching has actually taken on the job of caring for her sister, Mary Musgrove, and her two boys, C.J. and Walter.
The author does an excellent job of reflecting canon in this modern romance set on Old Lyme Beach where the houses have names, not street names or numbers.
There is a man who seems to take an interest in and courts her, a young woman who seems to be connecting with her ex, another man who lives to read and reread The Lady of the Lake in memory of his lost love, and her brother-in-law who is glued to the TV rather than paying any attention to his wife or boys.
If you have read Persuasion you basically know the outline of this story. But the addition of stories from Derick's travels in the south sea set the stage for the ending...sigh! Angst is added in this variation by the paparazzi and a man named Hoss who does anything to get his "headline" story. I found the captions Derick added to Hanna's sketchbook to be sigh-worthy!
I recommend this and the other JAFF variations by this author.
I have loved all three of this author's books. The only thing missing in this one is a letter to match the one from canon. But the author did give it some effort.
While the beginning seems to be reflection of Jane Austen's canon the reader will find that the blame falls on someone other than Hanna. And it has been ten years since Derick Wentworth set sail without her.
This Derick is also into adventure on the high seas but it is in competitive sailing and winning the America's Cup...three times. When he takes time off to spend some vacation with his sister, Sophie and her husband, Adam, he has no expectation that he will find his ex nearby.
This Hanna is much like Anne Elliot in that she puts everyone's comfort before her own and in being invited to spend her summer off from Kindergarten teaching has actually taken on the job of caring for her sister, Mary Musgrove, and her two boys, C.J. and Walter.
The author does an excellent job of reflecting canon in this modern romance set on Old Lyme Beach where the houses have names, not street names or numbers.
There is a man who seems to take an interest in and courts her, a young woman who seems to be connecting with her ex, another man who lives to read and reread The Lady of the Lake in memory of his lost love, and her brother-in-law who is glued to the TV rather than paying any attention to his wife or boys.
If you have read Persuasion you basically know the outline of this story. But the addition of stories from Derick's travels in the south sea set the stage for the ending...sigh! Angst is added in this variation by the paparazzi and a man named Hoss who does anything to get his "headline" story. I found the captions Derick added to Hanna's sketchbook to be sigh-worthy!
I recommend this and the other JAFF variations by this author.
Want to read
January 22, 2017Kindle freebie 1/22/2017. Modern-day retelling of Persuasion.
October 10, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. Once you read the book, you realize just how much the cover depicts the story. I sometimes miss this by reading on a Kindle. When I read an actual physical book, I look at the cover every time I pick up the book and I do miss that sometimes.
The story was sweet with a few surprises thrown in and although you think you know the ending, there are a few places in the book that will make you doubt yourself.
Spoiler alert here (which I do not normally do) but I have to say it. What about the ring? That was truly the only disappointing thing in the entire book for me; to close the book and then remember that there was nothing about the ring. I will not explain it any further.
I read other reviews that indicated this story followed along with Jane Austin's Persuasion, which I have not read so I can't compare. I did enjoy this sweet love story. It was a chance to see how two young people who didn't work out in the beginning, get a second chance, and what they do with that second chance.
The writing was great and the errors were nominal in the book which made it an enjoyable read. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed all of them, not just Hannah and Derrick.
I'm giving Persuaded by Misty Dawn Pulsipher five stars and recommending it.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story was sweet with a few surprises thrown in and although you think you know the ending, there are a few places in the book that will make you doubt yourself.
Spoiler alert here (which I do not normally do) but I have to say it. What about the ring? That was truly the only disappointing thing in the entire book for me; to close the book and then remember that there was nothing about the ring. I will not explain it any further.
I read other reviews that indicated this story followed along with Jane Austin's Persuasion, which I have not read so I can't compare. I did enjoy this sweet love story. It was a chance to see how two young people who didn't work out in the beginning, get a second chance, and what they do with that second chance.
The writing was great and the errors were nominal in the book which made it an enjoyable read. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed all of them, not just Hannah and Derrick.
I'm giving Persuaded by Misty Dawn Pulsipher five stars and recommending it.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2016
** Reread this one for fun. Loved it just as much the second time. **
Sigh .... Is it really over?? I have so much to say about Persuaded! I did really like Misty's first book for the story and the good writing, but felt like it lacked some depth. This one was so much better! The writing was even better. It was rich and well thought out without feeling forced. I like how the backstory was told while the current story was progressing. Flashbacks can drive me crazy sometimes, but this worked. I haven't read Persuasion by Jane Austen, but I do own two versions of the movie, so I appreciated the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Nice touch! I was hooked from the beginning and read as much as I could in two days without completely abandoning my family. :) It hardly seems fair that it takes months to write a book when the reader devours it in days (sometimes hours). Why can't books last longer? Or maybe writers need to spit out books faster. :) ANYWAY, if you are looking for a clean romance that isn't corny and doesn't make you feel like a dork for reading it, this is your book - good and respectable! I give it 4.5 stars!
Sigh .... Is it really over?? I have so much to say about Persuaded! I did really like Misty's first book for the story and the good writing, but felt like it lacked some depth. This one was so much better! The writing was even better. It was rich and well thought out without feeling forced. I like how the backstory was told while the current story was progressing. Flashbacks can drive me crazy sometimes, but this worked. I haven't read Persuasion by Jane Austen, but I do own two versions of the movie, so I appreciated the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Nice touch! I was hooked from the beginning and read as much as I could in two days without completely abandoning my family. :) It hardly seems fair that it takes months to write a book when the reader devours it in days (sometimes hours). Why can't books last longer? Or maybe writers need to spit out books faster. :) ANYWAY, if you are looking for a clean romance that isn't corny and doesn't make you feel like a dork for reading it, this is your book - good and respectable! I give it 4.5 stars!
February 9, 2017
Be warned - plenty of spoilers ahead... Looks like I am in the minority on this one. It had potential. Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen book, and I love Ann's character. I did like Hanna in this version, but Derick left a whole lot to be desired. Where in the book Ann is mostly at fault, in this version IMO Derick is completely at fault and is a huge jerk for leaving when he did without a word. He is a jerk for getting worked up in the first place when Hanna wasn't sure she wanted to run off and be married at a week's notice. Then, when he comes back he gets in a physical relationship with her sister-in-law with no regard whatsoever to her feelings.
That's not the worst part IMO though. He tells Ella he wants to take a break from their relationship and proceeds to hook up with Hanna without ever actually completely breaking up with Ella - then is upset when Ella finds out and calls him on never actually breaking up with her. Derick has no regard for Ella's feelings at all.
But here is the kicker. When Ella gets upset and drives off in a huff and gets in an accident, she loses her memory. Both Hanna and Derick are happy about this. Happy! Actual quotes from the book (emphasis mine):
"Hanna still found it hard to swallow that [Ella] had miraculously forgotten the scene before her accident and had no ill feelings for anyone involved. It was simply too good to be true."
Hanna speaking - "I know. But can you imagine what it would be like to wake up and not recognize anyone? She can't remember anything - not even who she was." "Yeah, I sort of consider that a bonus," Derick replied.
Derick speaking - "You can't tell me that Ella getting a personality overhaul is a bad thing."
Ella's character is simply that of a somewhat shallow young adult - she in no way deserves to be brushed off like that. Such blatant, uncaring selfishness from the couple I'm supposed to be rooting for made me want to throw the book at a wall. I would have if I wasn't reading it on my beloved kindle paperwhite...
That's not the worst part IMO though. He tells Ella he wants to take a break from their relationship and proceeds to hook up with Hanna without ever actually completely breaking up with Ella - then is upset when Ella finds out and calls him on never actually breaking up with her. Derick has no regard for Ella's feelings at all.
But here is the kicker. When Ella gets upset and drives off in a huff and gets in an accident, she loses her memory. Both Hanna and Derick are happy about this. Happy! Actual quotes from the book (emphasis mine):
"Hanna still found it hard to swallow that [Ella] had miraculously forgotten the scene before her accident and had no ill feelings for anyone involved. It was simply too good to be true."
Hanna speaking - "I know. But can you imagine what it would be like to wake up and not recognize anyone? She can't remember anything - not even who she was." "Yeah, I sort of consider that a bonus," Derick replied.
Derick speaking - "You can't tell me that Ella getting a personality overhaul is a bad thing."
Ella's character is simply that of a somewhat shallow young adult - she in no way deserves to be brushed off like that. Such blatant, uncaring selfishness from the couple I'm supposed to be rooting for made me want to throw the book at a wall. I would have if I wasn't reading it on my beloved kindle paperwhite...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2014
Pulsipher's writing is as emotional as it is beautiful. One of my most favorite lines in the book happens right at the beginning - what a way to pull me in!
"This moment in time, this point of light in the universe that is us - I stamp it on the flesh of my heart where the erosion of time has no reach. With every summer rain, I will remember."
Second chance romance novels are always fun to read but man are they painful! But I really appreciate how Pulsipher evened the playing field and really focused on Hanna's and Derick's relationship. She didn't just throw them back together at the very end but she allowed things to naturally blossom at a reasonable pace.
I also really enjoyed how all the various characters had their own voice. Often times I feel that authors muddle their characters and they start to just blend into one and you can't tell them apart. In this tale I really felt everyone had their own personalities, quirks, talents, flaws, and struggles.
I think one of the reasons why I enjoyed this book so much is because I actually haven't read the original. Therefore, I wasn't stuck in this rut where I was constantly comparing the two. I could just enjoy this tale for what it is and let me tell you, it is a good one!
"This moment in time, this point of light in the universe that is us - I stamp it on the flesh of my heart where the erosion of time has no reach. With every summer rain, I will remember."
Second chance romance novels are always fun to read but man are they painful! But I really appreciate how Pulsipher evened the playing field and really focused on Hanna's and Derick's relationship. She didn't just throw them back together at the very end but she allowed things to naturally blossom at a reasonable pace.
I also really enjoyed how all the various characters had their own voice. Often times I feel that authors muddle their characters and they start to just blend into one and you can't tell them apart. In this tale I really felt everyone had their own personalities, quirks, talents, flaws, and struggles.
I think one of the reasons why I enjoyed this book so much is because I actually haven't read the original. Therefore, I wasn't stuck in this rut where I was constantly comparing the two. I could just enjoy this tale for what it is and let me tell you, it is a good one!
July 30, 2014
I was hooked literally from the beginning. Persuasion is one of my favorites, so this modern twist with Hanna and Derick and wondering what was going to happen.
October 29, 2014
I liked this book. I liked the twists it took. I want to go on a summer vacation by the ocean for 3 months! How fun!!
October 31, 2018
If you’ve read Persuasion by Jane Austen and like a contemporary twist on a classic you will love this. If you haven’t read the original you need to, but if you just like cute love stories with a very satisfying ending you should read this anyway.
The author did a great job of capturing the essence of the original story while still spinning a tale that is recognizably the same and yet wonderfully original.
The author did a great job of capturing the essence of the original story while still spinning a tale that is recognizably the same and yet wonderfully original.
February 28, 2017
4.5
I was totally sucked into this book from the very beginning. Loved her adaption of Persuasion from Jane Austen. Characters were great and spot on. Great chemistry.
Moral Note: Make out session on the couch, nothing too graphic but it's in there, hence taking it down .5 star. Otherwise, language was clean, no violence.
I was totally sucked into this book from the very beginning. Loved her adaption of Persuasion from Jane Austen. Characters were great and spot on. Great chemistry.
Moral Note: Make out session on the couch, nothing too graphic but it's in there, hence taking it down .5 star. Otherwise, language was clean, no violence.
November 27, 2016
I am a sucker for Jane Austen rewrites. I was more than happy to recieve a free copy of this book in exhange for a review. Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel and I have read it numerous times. I was happy that the author here retells the story in a modern way without trying to recreate it scene by scene with every event and character included. This had all the essential elements. I thought it was cleverly done with the setting and characters.
There were a few disappointing modern things however. Somehow, while this is a clean read, the author somewhat tarnished the hero by having Derick be far too physical with Ella while he wasn't really interested in her. While it didn't explicitly describe what they did it did mention that he knew where her bedroom was and later she jumps straight to the bedroom with accusations during the big blow up tableau. I really didn't like this scene at all. I thought it was horrible to have Ella walk in and find Derick and Hanna kissing. Her running off in her car angry and getting into an accident gave a different feel to their relationship and leaves the Hanna/Derick romance with a little less luster.
There was a lot to like about this retelling of Persuasion but there were things that altered the characters too much in my taste. I wish there was a way to preserve the purity of the romance but still give it a modern setting and characters. I also reallly missed the scene where Wentworth overhears Anne talking about loving longest even when all hope is lost. He still wrote his letter but it lacked impact without the vulnerability of him not knowing but hoping for a return of his affection.
There were a few disappointing modern things however. Somehow, while this is a clean read, the author somewhat tarnished the hero by having Derick be far too physical with Ella while he wasn't really interested in her. While it didn't explicitly describe what they did it did mention that he knew where her bedroom was and later she jumps straight to the bedroom with accusations during the big blow up tableau. I really didn't like this scene at all. I thought it was horrible to have Ella walk in and find Derick and Hanna kissing. Her running off in her car angry and getting into an accident gave a different feel to their relationship and leaves the Hanna/Derick romance with a little less luster.
There was a lot to like about this retelling of Persuasion but there were things that altered the characters too much in my taste. I wish there was a way to preserve the purity of the romance but still give it a modern setting and characters. I also reallly missed the scene where Wentworth overhears Anne talking about loving longest even when all hope is lost. He still wrote his letter but it lacked impact without the vulnerability of him not knowing but hoping for a return of his affection.
January 19, 2015
I actually have not read Persuasion by Jane Austen so I'm not sure how this book compares to the original. On its own, I really enjoyed it! Hanna and Derick had been in love ten years earlier. Derick was a sailor who proposed to Hanna and wanted to elope but then suddenly left town without a trace. Hanna was heartbroken but moved on. Derick did, too. Fast forward ten years when they meet up again. They each have unresolved feelings and, to make matters worse, now Derick's falling for someone else.
I liked Hanna from the beginning and wanted her to stand up for herself more. She tends to let everyone walk all over her, especially her sister. There is a turning point for her when she showed how tough she really was and I liked her even more. That's also when the story got even better to me.
Derick was harder for me to like. I wanted Derick and Hanna to talk way before they finally did. I didn't like that he was all over another girl right in front of Hanna, especially since it was someone Hanna knew. It did cause lots of drama later on, though!
As the story went on and we learned more about Derick and Hanna, Derick grew on me and I liked him much better by the end. There was plenty of drama and some twists and turns which made this book hard for me to put down. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
I liked Hanna from the beginning and wanted her to stand up for herself more. She tends to let everyone walk all over her, especially her sister. There is a turning point for her when she showed how tough she really was and I liked her even more. That's also when the story got even better to me.
Derick was harder for me to like. I wanted Derick and Hanna to talk way before they finally did. I didn't like that he was all over another girl right in front of Hanna, especially since it was someone Hanna knew. It did cause lots of drama later on, though!
As the story went on and we learned more about Derick and Hanna, Derick grew on me and I liked him much better by the end. There was plenty of drama and some twists and turns which made this book hard for me to put down. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
November 19, 2014
I really love Jane Austen's Persuasion, so I was excited to read this re-telling. The premise was pretty much the same--guy and girl are on the cusp of getting married, but don't. A decade later they run into each other. Neither of their families have any idea they had a past--Hanna's incredibly good looking, single sister in law wastes no time going after Derick. For those who love a good contemporary romance, it was a fun read. For those who want an Austen-esque retelling, it was just an ok read. The writing was good & the story flowed pretty well.
Possible spoilers:
I didn't like the relationship between Ella and Derick. At all. It was way more physical than I thought it should have been--at least with him still claiming there wasn't really a relationship between them. Not just simple flirting like in Persuasion. If I were Hanna, I would have been much more upset about his hot and heavy relationship with her---while he was "still in love with me."
language: clean, heat level: pretty mild--only a couple of make out scenes
Possible spoilers:
I didn't like the relationship between Ella and Derick. At all. It was way more physical than I thought it should have been--at least with him still claiming there wasn't really a relationship between them. Not just simple flirting like in Persuasion. If I were Hanna, I would have been much more upset about his hot and heavy relationship with her---while he was "still in love with me."
language: clean, heat level: pretty mild--only a couple of make out scenes
September 10, 2015
This book is everything I look for in a romantic, feel good, happy ending kind of book. I enjoyed getting to know the different characters and the storyline had me hooked right from the beginning. The opening scene was a powerful start that thoroughly impressed me. I confess, I'm not familiar with Austen's "Persuasion" so I cannot review the fan fiction aspect of this book. But I do highly recommend it for a light and enjoyable read. Also, Ghirardelli's caramel squares on s'mores? Where have you been all my life?
July 31, 2014
Capturing the essence of Austen's autumnal romance, Pulsipher creates a cast of relatable characters who capture an audience's heart with their strength, humility, and charm. Weaving intrigue and modern humor into the tale keeps readers entertained while the will-they-won't-they of Hanna and Derick's romance will enchant readers til the final page. The well-researched and beautiful backdrop of the east coast only adds to the charm of this tale.
August 12, 2014
Persuasion is my favorite Austen tale, probably because it has a theme of redemption. Pulsipher's modern version does not disappoint. Pulsipher cracks me up. Her writing is witty and her characters charming, and her descriptions really take you there. I recommend this to anyone who loves Austen novels and movies, or to anyone who is in the mood for a good, clean romance.
August 8, 2014
Persuasion is one of my all time favorites. This modern day version did it justice. Well written. And great chemistry. A couple of innuendos.
September 3, 2014
Super cute and I loved! My favorite modern day re tell of Persuasion!
August 20, 2014
Persuaded is a sweet romance. Lively characters populate the canvass. The concept was good. A little more tension is desired. This book is rated three stars.
September 29, 2014
always love a Persuasion fan fiction option to complement the P&P options. Good story. For a while I didn't how the part with the accident was going to get incorporated but it did.
September 24, 2014
I loved this from start to finish, a wonderful love story that I could relate too!
September 14, 2014
Excellent modern retelling of my second favorite Austen novel.
January 25, 2018
It's difficult for me to review retellings of my favourite book. I love "Persuasion" so much, that any book that resembles that beautiful second chance story has my immediate attention.
"Persuaded" is a modern retelling, with enough changes in the storyline to make it interesting while still being faithful to the original. It's well written and entertaining, as I expected, but after a promising first half of the book, the second half fell a little flat. I loved some of the characters (CJ and Walter were so cute) and loathed others (I didn't like Ella/Louisa at all) but I found Derick and Hanna's relationship lacking tension during most of the book.
I'm giving it 3,75 stars, and I think I'll read the other retellings of this author.
"Persuaded" is a modern retelling, with enough changes in the storyline to make it interesting while still being faithful to the original. It's well written and entertaining, as I expected, but after a promising first half of the book, the second half fell a little flat. I loved some of the characters (CJ and Walter were so cute) and loathed others (I didn't like Ella/Louisa at all) but I found Derick and Hanna's relationship lacking tension during most of the book.
I'm giving it 3,75 stars, and I think I'll read the other retellings of this author.
December 20, 2014
Misty Pulsiper's retelling of Persuasion as Persuaded is a masterful effort that works very well in the New England setting, instead of being set in England even though the place names have been kept the same. For those of you just reading Persuaded it is a perfect example of a classic being rewritten in a modern setting, it has the depth of characters and it is an interesting romance set against the backdrop of the sea.
The story starts in the past with Hanna Elliot and Derrick Wentworth being a young just 18 engaged couple, he wants to move up the date of their marriage until tomorrow, instead of in a week, wanting her to leave with him on his race around the world but she asks him to wait 6 months until the race is over, on the advice of her Aunt Maude. Derrick is upset and leaves the following leaving a note at the marina slip saying that she can keep the ring because no other girl would want it!
Now, 10 years later both unbeknownst to each other have returned home to the site of their romance and breakup in Old Lyme, Uppercross at their relatives respective homes near each other in beachfront gated community.
Derrick is a sailor of great renown having won that first race around the world and many more since then. Hanna Elliot is a kindergarten teacher in a small town near the Canadian border in Oregon. Both have lots of baggage from those years which add to the suspense of the beginning of the summer.
Derrick is staying with the Crofts, Adam and Sophie, his sister and Adam's brother Benny, who is mourning the loss of his fiancee of a year ago.
Hanna is staying with the Musgroves, Charles and Mary their sons C.J. and Walter and Charles sister, Ella.
Hanna and Derrick first run into each other on the beach after Hanna, Mary and Ella are out jogging and Mary faints and he offers to help revive her.. which he does and while doing so he recognises the pale blue eyes of Hanna, and she tightens her hoodie around her face when recognising his bright green ones and she hopes that he does not recognise her! But his memories are bitter ones of the way she refused to go with him as his wife, but he realises now that it would not have worked anyway!
Derrick is set for a summer of interesting events and Ella is the stunning beauty who attracts his attention, and her his!
Hanna's first meeting on the beach with Derrick brings back painful/wonderful memories because he was her first and only love, and she still has her unique engagement ring with her because she does not want to leave anything of value at home for the summer months. Ella seems to flaunt her relationship with Derrick especially in front of Hanna. Hanna who at the grand old age of 28 believes she will remain a spinster for the rest of her life! Hanna seems like a glorified non-paid nanny for her nephews C.J; 6 and Walter 2 because Mary spends most her time in bed and when she is up complains about the boys noise and Charles and his incessant sports watching on the television.
After several weeks Ella is looking at Bridal boutiques and magazines like she is planning a wedding, therefore when Derrick finds out he decides to slow things down a bit after both he and Ella being told they are not considering their are boys under the age of six in the house and their behavior leaves something to be desired, get a hotel room! Hanna then flees because she now knows she has lost Derrick forever, but Derrick is upset to about the whole episode and runs out into the night after Hanna, who has gone down to the breakwater and Lymelight, the old lighthouse and is climbing up the side of it but sliding back down into the sea and crying or is it the ocean spray? Then she hears a voice calling out to her and finds Derrick coming to find her. He helps her down and they push and shove and have a water fight and spend many hours together.. who knows what this will bring? will they see each other again? She of course agrees to be friends again but does she think that she will forgive him for her broken heart? or for the heartache and suffering he has brought her?
The story ended beautifully, it tied everything up nicely.
Miss Pulsipher's characters were both intriguing and full of life, we had some suspense as to who would become Derrick's fiancee but the best woman for him won for me, but you may feel differently therefore I recommend you read Persuaded for yourself and make up your mind. The tiins to Persuasion were nicely done, with the quotes from it at the head of each chapter and then the title.. all of the quotes are a constant but not unwelcome part of the book! The writing was spot on, the characters were all very 3 dimensional and fully fleshed out, all the main characters were interesting and there were complexities with them which were eventually solved in the book. Even the secondary characters were very well done each character adding flair to the story. I will reread this book from time to time because it was beautifully done retelling of a Jane Austen novel set now.
I highly recommend this book to romance readers, with some suspense and a little action and adventure involved, but first and foremost it is a romance book!
I received this book for an honest review, thank you Misty Dawn Pulsophrt
The story starts in the past with Hanna Elliot and Derrick Wentworth being a young just 18 engaged couple, he wants to move up the date of their marriage until tomorrow, instead of in a week, wanting her to leave with him on his race around the world but she asks him to wait 6 months until the race is over, on the advice of her Aunt Maude. Derrick is upset and leaves the following leaving a note at the marina slip saying that she can keep the ring because no other girl would want it!
Now, 10 years later both unbeknownst to each other have returned home to the site of their romance and breakup in Old Lyme, Uppercross at their relatives respective homes near each other in beachfront gated community.
Derrick is a sailor of great renown having won that first race around the world and many more since then. Hanna Elliot is a kindergarten teacher in a small town near the Canadian border in Oregon. Both have lots of baggage from those years which add to the suspense of the beginning of the summer.
Derrick is staying with the Crofts, Adam and Sophie, his sister and Adam's brother Benny, who is mourning the loss of his fiancee of a year ago.
Hanna is staying with the Musgroves, Charles and Mary their sons C.J. and Walter and Charles sister, Ella.
Hanna and Derrick first run into each other on the beach after Hanna, Mary and Ella are out jogging and Mary faints and he offers to help revive her.. which he does and while doing so he recognises the pale blue eyes of Hanna, and she tightens her hoodie around her face when recognising his bright green ones and she hopes that he does not recognise her! But his memories are bitter ones of the way she refused to go with him as his wife, but he realises now that it would not have worked anyway!
Derrick is set for a summer of interesting events and Ella is the stunning beauty who attracts his attention, and her his!
Hanna's first meeting on the beach with Derrick brings back painful/wonderful memories because he was her first and only love, and she still has her unique engagement ring with her because she does not want to leave anything of value at home for the summer months. Ella seems to flaunt her relationship with Derrick especially in front of Hanna. Hanna who at the grand old age of 28 believes she will remain a spinster for the rest of her life! Hanna seems like a glorified non-paid nanny for her nephews C.J; 6 and Walter 2 because Mary spends most her time in bed and when she is up complains about the boys noise and Charles and his incessant sports watching on the television.
After several weeks Ella is looking at Bridal boutiques and magazines like she is planning a wedding, therefore when Derrick finds out he decides to slow things down a bit after both he and Ella being told they are not considering their are boys under the age of six in the house and their behavior leaves something to be desired, get a hotel room! Hanna then flees because she now knows she has lost Derrick forever, but Derrick is upset to about the whole episode and runs out into the night after Hanna, who has gone down to the breakwater and Lymelight, the old lighthouse and is climbing up the side of it but sliding back down into the sea and crying or is it the ocean spray? Then she hears a voice calling out to her and finds Derrick coming to find her. He helps her down and they push and shove and have a water fight and spend many hours together.. who knows what this will bring? will they see each other again? She of course agrees to be friends again but does she think that she will forgive him for her broken heart? or for the heartache and suffering he has brought her?
The story ended beautifully, it tied everything up nicely.
Miss Pulsipher's characters were both intriguing and full of life, we had some suspense as to who would become Derrick's fiancee but the best woman for him won for me, but you may feel differently therefore I recommend you read Persuaded for yourself and make up your mind. The tiins to Persuasion were nicely done, with the quotes from it at the head of each chapter and then the title.. all of the quotes are a constant but not unwelcome part of the book! The writing was spot on, the characters were all very 3 dimensional and fully fleshed out, all the main characters were interesting and there were complexities with them which were eventually solved in the book. Even the secondary characters were very well done each character adding flair to the story. I will reread this book from time to time because it was beautifully done retelling of a Jane Austen novel set now.
I highly recommend this book to romance readers, with some suspense and a little action and adventure involved, but first and foremost it is a romance book!
I received this book for an honest review, thank you Misty Dawn Pulsophrt
August 21, 2020
3.5 Stars!
July 9, 2016
Persuaded è un retelling in chiave moderna del mio romanzo austeniano preferito, Persuasione.
La storia, che ha un prologo molto dolce, è per lo più ambientata in una sorta di villaggio vacanze privato a Old Lyme, Connecticut, in cui le strade non hanno nome, ma le casette monofamiliari si distinguono perché battezzate in modo diverso l'una dall'altra: abbiamo così Kelynch, dove vivono i Croft, e Uppercross, dimora dei Musgrove, che hanno ceduto per un'estate la loro casa ai figli Charles e Ella e alla nuora Mary.
La protagonista è Hanna, una maestra d'asilo ventottenne, che molto somiglia alla Anne Elliot di Persuasione, a cui vengono però risparmiati un padre vanitoso e anaffettivo e una sorella sprezzante (anche se i "Walter" ricorrono per un paio di volte nei discorsi di Maudelaine Russell, come insopportabili padre e figlia).
Il protagonista è invece Derick Wentworth, vincitore per tre volte dell'America's Cup, che accetta l'invito della sorella a Kelynch per trovare un po' di tranquillità e sfuggire ai paparazzi che lo tormentano dopo un suo ingiustificato abbandono di una delle gare.
E' proprio lì, però,che l'uomo si scontra con qualcosa, a prima vista, di ben peggiore dei fotografi: il suo passato, che tanto si era sforzato di dimenticare.
A questo punto, purtroppo, vi sono alcuni appunti da fare: il primo incontro tra i due, che tanto aspettavo, è stato deludente, privo di pathos, e il motivo per cui i protagonisti hanno rotto la loro relazione, ben dieci anni prima, potrebbe non essere condivisibile dai più.
A parte ciò, però, la storia è davvero emozionante ed oserei dire che crea dipendenza: sono rimasta sveglia anche di notte, senza accorgermene, dicendo a me stessa che ogni capitolo sarebbe stato l'ultimo, ma andando comunque avanti.
I personaggi di contorno sono riuscitissimi e ben delineati; fra tutti, ho trovato perfetta Mary, ipocondriaca, egocentrica e sempre dipendente dagli altri, ma anche davvero lievemente depressa, soprattutto a causa del suo vittimismo.
"If you combined a hypocondriac with a drama queen and a poorly functioning immune system, you got Mary."
Anche gli altri sono notevoli: l'indifferente Charles, che in fondo ama molto la moglie; il simpatico Adam Croft; l'amorevole Sophie, la superficiale Ella. Perfino Maudelaine, che pur compare poco, richiama parecchio la Mrs Russell del romanzo originale.
Mi è piaciuto molto il modo in cui è stato introdotto Eli, ovvero il corrispettivo del cugino Elliot, e davvero non avevo pensato a quale fosse la sua vera identità, che mi ha lasciata sorpresa.
I bambini, figli di Chrarles e Mary, sono veramente adorabili, così come è adorabile il fatto che il più grande, Cj, chiami la zia Hanna "Banana" (nonché Derick "Captain Wentworth").
Ciò che mi è piaciuto maggiormente del romanzo, è stato il fatto che non racconti solo di una seconda chance, ma quello a cui assistiamo è un vero e proprio re-innamoramento: i due protagonisti imparano a conoscersi di nuovo, e non possono fare a meno di sentirsi a casa l'uno con l'altra e di innamorarsi, così come Derick non può fare a meno di fare la corte ad Hanna anche se ha appena rotto con Ella, o di essere geloso di Benny (Benwick) e di Eli, ed Hanna non può fare a meno di pensare che lui non la guarderà più come faceva una volta.
Ci sono molte scene simpatiche con i bambini, o spiritose in cui Derick si diverte a prendere in giro Hanna, e naturalmente molte scene romantiche e molto dolci.
“You have this crazy notion that you’re not worth looking at—that you aren’t worth anything. But you don’t see what I see.” [...]
“I see someone so unforgettable that all these years later, I still can’t take my eyes off her.”
Unica nota un po' stonata del finale, che mi è dispiaciuta, il destino riservato ad Ella, la cui condizione sembra essere permanente, e l'egoismo di Benny, che pare quasi voglia fare di lei una copia della fidanzata perduta.
Malgrado ciò - ed il fatto che Hanna arrossisca troppo frequentemente - credo che Persuaded sia uno dei migliori retelling che abbia mai letto, e lo consiglio anche a chi non conosce Persuasione, ma abbia voglia di leggere una bella storia che sappia emozionare.
http://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.it/
La storia, che ha un prologo molto dolce, è per lo più ambientata in una sorta di villaggio vacanze privato a Old Lyme, Connecticut, in cui le strade non hanno nome, ma le casette monofamiliari si distinguono perché battezzate in modo diverso l'una dall'altra: abbiamo così Kelynch, dove vivono i Croft, e Uppercross, dimora dei Musgrove, che hanno ceduto per un'estate la loro casa ai figli Charles e Ella e alla nuora Mary.
La protagonista è Hanna, una maestra d'asilo ventottenne, che molto somiglia alla Anne Elliot di Persuasione, a cui vengono però risparmiati un padre vanitoso e anaffettivo e una sorella sprezzante (anche se i "Walter" ricorrono per un paio di volte nei discorsi di Maudelaine Russell, come insopportabili padre e figlia).
Il protagonista è invece Derick Wentworth, vincitore per tre volte dell'America's Cup, che accetta l'invito della sorella a Kelynch per trovare un po' di tranquillità e sfuggire ai paparazzi che lo tormentano dopo un suo ingiustificato abbandono di una delle gare.
E' proprio lì, però,che l'uomo si scontra con qualcosa, a prima vista, di ben peggiore dei fotografi: il suo passato, che tanto si era sforzato di dimenticare.
A questo punto, purtroppo, vi sono alcuni appunti da fare: il primo incontro tra i due, che tanto aspettavo, è stato deludente, privo di pathos, e il motivo per cui i protagonisti hanno rotto la loro relazione, ben dieci anni prima, potrebbe non essere condivisibile dai più.
A parte ciò, però, la storia è davvero emozionante ed oserei dire che crea dipendenza: sono rimasta sveglia anche di notte, senza accorgermene, dicendo a me stessa che ogni capitolo sarebbe stato l'ultimo, ma andando comunque avanti.
I personaggi di contorno sono riuscitissimi e ben delineati; fra tutti, ho trovato perfetta Mary, ipocondriaca, egocentrica e sempre dipendente dagli altri, ma anche davvero lievemente depressa, soprattutto a causa del suo vittimismo.
"If you combined a hypocondriac with a drama queen and a poorly functioning immune system, you got Mary."
Anche gli altri sono notevoli: l'indifferente Charles, che in fondo ama molto la moglie; il simpatico Adam Croft; l'amorevole Sophie, la superficiale Ella. Perfino Maudelaine, che pur compare poco, richiama parecchio la Mrs Russell del romanzo originale.
Mi è piaciuto molto il modo in cui è stato introdotto Eli, ovvero il corrispettivo del cugino Elliot, e davvero non avevo pensato a quale fosse la sua vera identità, che mi ha lasciata sorpresa.
I bambini, figli di Chrarles e Mary, sono veramente adorabili, così come è adorabile il fatto che il più grande, Cj, chiami la zia Hanna "Banana" (nonché Derick "Captain Wentworth").
Ciò che mi è piaciuto maggiormente del romanzo, è stato il fatto che non racconti solo di una seconda chance, ma quello a cui assistiamo è un vero e proprio re-innamoramento: i due protagonisti imparano a conoscersi di nuovo, e non possono fare a meno di sentirsi a casa l'uno con l'altra e di innamorarsi, così come Derick non può fare a meno di fare la corte ad Hanna anche se ha appena rotto con Ella, o di essere geloso di Benny (Benwick) e di Eli, ed Hanna non può fare a meno di pensare che lui non la guarderà più come faceva una volta.
Ci sono molte scene simpatiche con i bambini, o spiritose in cui Derick si diverte a prendere in giro Hanna, e naturalmente molte scene romantiche e molto dolci.
“You have this crazy notion that you’re not worth looking at—that you aren’t worth anything. But you don’t see what I see.” [...]
“I see someone so unforgettable that all these years later, I still can’t take my eyes off her.”
Unica nota un po' stonata del finale, che mi è dispiaciuta, il destino riservato ad Ella, la cui condizione sembra essere permanente, e l'egoismo di Benny, che pare quasi voglia fare di lei una copia della fidanzata perduta.
Malgrado ciò - ed il fatto che Hanna arrossisca troppo frequentemente - credo che Persuaded sia uno dei migliori retelling che abbia mai letto, e lo consiglio anche a chi non conosce Persuasione, ma abbia voglia di leggere una bella storia che sappia emozionare.
http://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.it/
August 29, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON
It’s like reading Persuasion again, but in a much modern setting.
Hanna Elliot fell in love with the dashing Derick Wenthworth at a young age, she might have some hesitation to become his wife when he proposed – but at the end, she was willing to give it all up for him. Yet, he never showed up, never returned her calls. It was like he vanished into thin air. She wore the ring faithfully at first, hoping that he’d come to his senses, but as the day goes by, she finally realize that he was not coming back. But on the anniversary of the day she received it, she takes it out, and she let herself to wallow on what might have been.
There were times when Derick would thought about the girl whom he offered his name to. Especially when he’s laying on the bow of his boat, Laconia. But as the time goes on, he felt grateful it didn’t work out. He thought that Hanna was easily persuaded by the people around him. He wanted someone who wanted him without second thoughts.
She never thought their paths would cross again, and this time, she’d be watching him fall in love with someone else…
I love the setting of this book, I can picture out a laid-back community surrounded with beautiful houses, and not to mention the beach. Perfect setting for the reunion of two old lovers, only that it didn’t happen as fast as I would have liked it. I watched him (with Hanna), give his attention to someone else. Ella might be beautiful and sexy, but I just knew they weren’t meant to be. As for Hanna, she tries to give her attention to someone else. A potential prince charming who turned out to be a frog.
He just needed to wake up from his stupor, and Hanna needed to fight if she wants a second chance.
It didn’t happen overnight, both needed the wake up call, it took some time, a little bit of media scandal, and a sprinkle of heartache before they found their way back into each other. Perhaps, they weren’t ready when they were young, they were still immature, and has a lot of issues. It wasn’t the right time yet. I’m glad that they found each other once again, and was able to rekindle their love, after all the dramas and circumstances. Indeed, if you’re meant to be, whatever happens, no matter how long it will take, fate will bring you back together.
Although, at first I must admit I had some hesitations to continue, since this was something new for me, I’m glad I did. It was a short, clean read. It was like reading a classic in the modern era.
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON
It’s like reading Persuasion again, but in a much modern setting.
Hanna Elliot fell in love with the dashing Derick Wenthworth at a young age, she might have some hesitation to become his wife when he proposed – but at the end, she was willing to give it all up for him. Yet, he never showed up, never returned her calls. It was like he vanished into thin air. She wore the ring faithfully at first, hoping that he’d come to his senses, but as the day goes by, she finally realize that he was not coming back. But on the anniversary of the day she received it, she takes it out, and she let herself to wallow on what might have been.
There were times when Derick would thought about the girl whom he offered his name to. Especially when he’s laying on the bow of his boat, Laconia. But as the time goes on, he felt grateful it didn’t work out. He thought that Hanna was easily persuaded by the people around him. He wanted someone who wanted him without second thoughts.
She never thought their paths would cross again, and this time, she’d be watching him fall in love with someone else…
I love the setting of this book, I can picture out a laid-back community surrounded with beautiful houses, and not to mention the beach. Perfect setting for the reunion of two old lovers, only that it didn’t happen as fast as I would have liked it. I watched him (with Hanna), give his attention to someone else. Ella might be beautiful and sexy, but I just knew they weren’t meant to be. As for Hanna, she tries to give her attention to someone else. A potential prince charming who turned out to be a frog.
He just needed to wake up from his stupor, and Hanna needed to fight if she wants a second chance.
It didn’t happen overnight, both needed the wake up call, it took some time, a little bit of media scandal, and a sprinkle of heartache before they found their way back into each other. Perhaps, they weren’t ready when they were young, they were still immature, and has a lot of issues. It wasn’t the right time yet. I’m glad that they found each other once again, and was able to rekindle their love, after all the dramas and circumstances. Indeed, if you’re meant to be, whatever happens, no matter how long it will take, fate will bring you back together.
Although, at first I must admit I had some hesitations to continue, since this was something new for me, I’m glad I did. It was a short, clean read. It was like reading a classic in the modern era.
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
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